Trailblazing Show Is A Smithsonian First
Honoring the Future is proud to partner with the Smithsonian to launch Craft Optimism, the first Smithsonian Craft Show to focus on climate change.
Online April 24 through May 1, 2021, Craft Optimism is a joyous, stunningly beautiful, and inspiring celebration of creative ideas for responding to climate change.
Amy Flynn, Fobot (Found Object Robot). Soldered and bolted recycled found objects. © Amy Flynn 2021. Courtesy of the artist.
The show builds upon the sponsoring organizations’ years of experience highlighting outstanding, climate-conscious art. Since 1982, the Smithsonian Women’s Committee has sponsored the annual Smithsonian Craft Show, widely recognized as a premier American craft show. Since 2015, Honoring the Future has presented a “Sustainability Award” to the most deserving artist at the Smithsonian Craft Show. In 2020, the Smithsonian Women’s Committee met the challenge of the pandemic with a virtual craft show, expanding its reach to an even larger national audience and setting the stage for other virtual shows.
Leah Evans, Hydroglyphs 2. Repurposed fabric. Dimensions: 40.5” x 40” ©2021 Leah Evans. Courtesy of the artist. Drawing on aerial photography, maps and satellite imagery, Evans portrays our use and treatment of water. She won Honoring the Future’s first Sustainability Award (2015). More.
“This is a ‘must see’ show for everyone who wants to build a better world for our children, grandchildren, and generations to come,” said Fran Dubrowski, Director of Honoring the Future. “We hope the vision and resourcefulness on display inspire every visitor to ask: how can I use my passions and skills to address our climate challenge?”
Paula Shalan, Seed Pods (2020). Ceramic (local clay fired with recycled fuel). ©Paula Shalan 2020. Courtesy of the artist. Seed Pods calls attention to loss of seed biodiversity. Shalan won Honoring the Future’s 2016 Sustainability Award. More.
The show taps the energy, talent and creativity of 100 artists whose work educates the public about climate change or inspires or models a sustainable response to climate change.
Holly Anne Mitchell, Crossword Puzzle Neckpiece, Recycled newspaper jewelry made with non-toxic adhesive sealant, organically sourced cotton cord, and beeswax. ©Holly Anne Mitchell 2021. Photo courtesy of the artist.
Eligible artworks met at least one of the following criteria:
- The artwork is created in a manner that helps to address climate change by fostering energy and water conservation, waterway protection, stormwater management, tree preservation and protection, use of solar or wind energy, waste reduction, use of recycled or repurposed material, or urban gardening.
- The artwork addresses or reflects the impacts of climate change, including population displacement, glacial ice melt, ocean acidification, extreme weather, droughts, floods, wildfires, species loss or human health effects.
Experts in contemporary craft (including museum curators, gallery owners and craft school educators) nominated artists. Collectively, the selected artists offer a wide variety of styles, media and price points.
Eric Serritella, Onwards and Upwards Teapot (2021). Trompe L’oeil Ceramic. ©2021 Eric Serritella. Courtesy of the artist. Serritella’s art celebrates birches – their splendor, tenacity and resilience despite human disregard. More.
Proceeds from the Show support grants to be awarded by the Smithsonian Women’s Committee for innovative educational, outreach and research initiatives across the Smithsonian’s 19 museums, research labs and the National Zoo. Since its founding in 1966, the Smithsonian Women’s Committee has supported over $13.4 million for 1,046 grants and four endowments for fellowships, lectures, research training, and staff innovation awards.
